"One of the greatest things in human life is the ability to make plans. Even if they never come true - the joy of anticipation is irrevocably yours. That way one can live many more than just one life."

Maria Trapp-The Story of the Trapp Family Singers - Ch. 12 p. 4

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

- St. Augustine

Monday, May 23, 2011

DOUG’S DAY SUMMARY: May 23rdOur last morning, sitting at the Shannon Airport waiting to fly back to the states: It all seems a whirlwind (only an indirect reference to the gale force winds outside today). I was unable to keep up with making posts. This lack of blogging/communication with the home-world was 1) in part (only a small part) because we were on the go so much and generally saw us getting in so late (but this excuse can only go so far because Amy still did it; 2) laziness, selfishness and the need to think a bit every day about what had gone on. I’m very pleased I took notes everyday about what we did so that I can write more later and get caught up on the daily summaries in the next few days.

I guess the thing I can say at this moment (the end of the trip) is that it was the best possible trip that I could have hoped for and dreamed of. Amy did an outstanding job of planning our holiday so that we were able to squeeze the most out of time in the Emerald Isles. It was romantic, quaint, awe inspiring, humbling, informative and breathtakingly beautiful. I will cherish this opportunity as one of those unique and inexplicable gifts that God presents us with for no other reason than that He good and gracious. We give Him thanks for using His precious servants Ruth and James to bless us in this way. Doug (May 23, 2011)